I'm looking to purchase my first "good" cast net. I've thrown 4'-5' nets my entire life but am looking to move up. I've had buddy recommend that I purchase an 8' Tim Wade net. The one I am looking at has 1/2" mesh and 1.5 lbs weight. I can order that one for $161, but not sure if I really need to spend that much. I will be using it to catch anything from finger mullet, to small pogies, to larger mullet and pogies. I'm trying to buy just a good all around net without breaking the bank. Any recommendations?

I'm looking to purchase my first "good" cast net. I've thrown 4'-5' nets my entire life but am looking to move up. I've had buddy recommend that I purchase an 8' Tim Wade net. The one I am looking at has 1/2" mesh and 1.5 lbs weight. I can order that one for $161, but not sure if I really need to spend that much. I will be using it to catch anything from finger mullet, to small pogies, to larger mullet and pogies. I'm trying to buy just a good all around net without breaking the bank. Any recommendations?

My two cents.....there is no such thing as a cast net good for all things in all seasons. 1/2" mesh will be too large for finger mullet, but probably work for large pogies and mullet. You also have to consider sink rate. I have two cast nets that get me through the inshore year. I start early season with a 1/4" mesh nylon, when bait is small, and end the season with a 3/8" mesh mono that catches larger mullet without gilling them too bad.

Buy a 6 foot 1/4 or 3/8 mesh for inshore use, whatever is in the local tackle store is fine, you don't want anything too expensive for an inshore net because it will get torn up on oyster shells eventually.

Then buy a 10 foot 5/8 mesh with around 1.7 lb/ft for big pogies and mullet in deeper water.

I have a Tim Wade net I used for pogies or the big schools of finger mullet. It is an excellent net, if you're willing to spend a lot on a net you can't go wrong with one from him.
Also have a smaller Betts that I use for the smaller schools of mullet around the shoreline and docks. Its cheaper so I dont cry when I snag it and lighter so I can through it a lot. The heavier open water nets I don't want to throw 30 times to get bait!_________________Steve in Carolina Beach

I just got turned on to a new company called barracuda cast nets, You might want to take a look. They are along the wade, calusa etc brand nets price but comes with a warranty. I also have a tim wade net that I have been using up until the new one. Once you throw a quality net you'll see why it makes a difference._________________2011 SEAHUNT Gamefish 25
TWIN 150 Yamahas
McAttacK

I've used an 8' net from Bass Pro.. it was a little under $100. That thing has lasted 3 years so far and it is still kicking. If you want more higher end barracuda nets are the real deal._________________2005 Edgewater 175
\"Hula Girl\"

For the record, I have lost count of the number of times I have seen people throw and throw and throw and throw an 8 foot or smaller, small mesh net on pogies along the beach without success and I roll up, one cast with the big custom 5/8 mesh net and I'm in business.

It makes a difference, especially when they are holding deep, moving fast and/or scattered.

Get a 5 or 6 foot 3/8 mesh for inshore bait and 10 to 12 foot 3/4" mesh for pogies. 3/4" is way better than 5/8". I have both and you get twice as many baits per cast with the 3/4" faster sinking net in water over 8 to 10' deep.

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